OBAMA

I have no doubt that the whole world feels much better, and safer, now that Barack Obama has been elected President of the USA. I was absolutely amazed by the size of his victory, but also by the almost unchanging face of the USA political map: Republicans in the centre and Democrats on the Eastern and Western coasts. Some day, let's hope, the two will meet, as did the big railway lines once.

I've just had a thought: how about renaming Bo Didley's hit song from Hey, Bo Diddley to Hey, Obama! We could just start a new rage. Or, "I come from Alabama with Obama on my knee". I do think the new president elect will be a great source of inspiration. Let's all wish him good luck in his new job and a safe and happy stay in the White House.

FINANCIAL CRISIS

"Laugh and the whole world laughs with you," - says the song. - "Cry and you cry alone!"
So there's a new financial crisis. I don't know about you, but I think I've had enough bad news this year, so I'm all for a good laugh. I hope you'll join me. Here are the views of two famous comedians on the on- going financial crisis (with Spanish subtitles for my Catalan and Spanish students).